Double Book Review Thursday!*

Much patriotism. So funny. America.

As you may remember, I am a not-so active member of LibraryThing. The following reviews also can be found over there for the Early Reviewers group.

First up we have: Dog Whistles, Walk-Backs, and Washington Handshakes: Decoding the Jargon, Slang, and Bluster of American Political Speech by Chuck McCutcheon and David Mark.



This slang guide to (often humorous) political terms (often humorous in origin) was perfect to have around for the recent election.

Since it's not an in-depth or scholarly look at how political language has evolved since the founding of our country a reader can choose to read it cover-to-cover or flip through reading whatever catches the eye.

Whenever I was feeling bogged down by negative campaigning I would dip into this book and roll around on the floor laughing after reading an entry. The entries are also fun to read aloud if you are near a person interested in the topic.

This would be a great book to recommend (or gift this upcoming holiday season) for political junkies and word-lovers.

Next we have a postcard book that ties in nicely with the previous title: Stars and Swipes: 30 Postcards of Awkward Americana by Wilhelm Staehle

Staehle's web comic Silhouette Masterpiece Theater was not one that was familiar to me before now but I've put it on my list of comics to visit because it's hilarious.

The comics remind me of Wondermark or Married to the Sea: vintage or historical images with puns and punch lines that sometimes have a modern twist.

The postcards in this collection are about America (just like the title says) so you'll see the presidents, important historical figures and events, and American holidays.

I have looked through the book many times and I can't pick a favorite because they all delight me. I also can't decide whether or not to send some of these cards out to friends and family. I know a few would enjoy receiving them but I also want to keep them forever.

In conclusion: I suggest buying them both to stuff the stocking of your nearest and dearest political junkie. Gifting both books means you have a 50/50 chance of the recipient liking at least one! If they don't like either ask for the books back and stop speaking to this person immediately.

*Double Book Review Thursday is not likely to become a regular feature here at Ohiofornia.